A patient is hospitalized with possible syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The patient is confused and reports a headache, muscle cramps, and twitching. The nurse would expect the initial laboratory results to include

Question

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When water is retained, the serum sodium level will drop below normal, causing the clinical manifestations reported by the patient. The hematocrit will decrease because of the dilution caused by water retention. Urine will be more concentrated with a higher specific gravity. The serum chloride level will usually decrease along with the sodium level.

A Patient Is Hospitalized with Possible Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic